Article
ISSN Recognition: Astaxanthin as a Strategic Performance Ingredient
By: Susan Hamrahi
February 20, 2026
February 20, 2026
International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) position stance on antioxidants has been published in their February edition and astaxanthin has been included!
This publication serves as an authoritative, evidence-based guide for collegiate, tactical, and professional sports dietitians, nutritionists, coaches, and performance staff across the U.S. When a nutrient is evaluated and ranked within this framework, it signals that it has reached a meaningful threshold of scientific rigor and practical relevance.
Why This Is Significant for Astaxanthin
1. Benchmarked Against Gold-Standard Nutrients
Astaxanthin was evaluated alongside some of the most extensively studied and widely adopted nutrients in sports nutrition, including:
- Creatine monohydrate
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Alpha Lipoic Acid
These nutrients each have 600+ publications supporting their use. Within that context, astaxanthin earning a “moderate” level of evidence in the performance category is a meaningful scientific achievement. It places astaxanthin in the top tier of dietary antioxidants evaluated for recovery and performance outcomes.
2. Evidence-Based Clarity (4–12 mg/day)
The recommended daily serving range of 4–12 mg/day for 4–12 weeks provides practical flexibility across global regulatory frameworks. Importantly, this range is supported by clinical trials demonstrating:
- Reductions in exercise-induced oxidative stress
- Attenuation of muscle damage markers (e.g., creatine kinase)
- Reduced perceived soreness (DOMS)
- Improvements in metabolic recovery (e.g., lower post-exercise lactate)
- Potential enhancement of fat oxidation in certain populations
This establishes a clear, science-backed window for practitioners.
3. Mechanistic Strength: Membrane-Level Antioxidant Protection
Astaxanthin’s unique lipid-soluble structure allows it to span the phospholipid membrane and neutralize reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) both at the membrane surface and within the lipid bilayer. This membrane-level protection is particularly relevant to:
- Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress (EIOS)
- Muscle cell integrity
- Inflammatory signaling
- Recovery kinetics
It is important to note that astaxanthin’s mechanism of action goes beyond its direct antioxidant activity in supporting performance and recovery. Astaxanthin has been shown to support mitochondrial health and biogenesis, promote tissue perfusion, and endogenous antioxidant capacity. Therefore, astaxanthin’s impact is attributed to more than just its antioxidant function.
Why This Changes the Conversation
Being formally recognized in an ISSN position stand:
- Elevates astaxanthin’s credibility among elite sports professionals
- Moves it beyond “emerging ingredient” status
- Positions it alongside foundational sports nutrition compounds
- Encourages higher-quality, targeted research to refine mechanistic and biomarker understanding
In short, this inclusion represents a scientific validation milestone. Astaxanthin is no longer peripheral in the antioxidant-performance discussion. It is now formally recognized as a moderate-evidence, performance-relevant nutrient with practical guidance and a strong mechanistic rationale. For sports nutrition professionals, that is a meaningful shift.
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